“We’re still here, we haven’t left”

Fri, 05 Apr 2013 16:43:53 +0000
Num. 36

Small businesses and craftsmen

Eight months after the earthquake it is possible to take stock of the situation, analyzing what has been done. I can testify that, after the initial pain and discomfort, my colleagues and craftsmen reacted by rolling up their sleeves and removing the rubble from homes and businesses.

The earthquake destroyed or severely damaged thousands of warehouses, but certainly did not affect the will to start again. Many business activities have suffered, not to mention all the small companies who were not directly involved, but who have seen a drastic reduction or downgrading in their revenues because they no longer have orders from the companies damaged by the earthquake. The warehouse of Gianluca Alberghini's company, far Ltd. of Sant'Agostino, was damaged but fortunately did not collapse. Often working twenty hours a day, with the constant help of employees, all the material and equipment was moved outside and the company has continued production to meet outstanding orders. At the same time the warehouse was made safe and a request for subsidies was made, for which payment is expected. Giuseppe Ghisellini, owner of a mechanical workshop in Casumaro, had to ask for a bank loan - like many others - in order to continue working, thus adding to the existing mortgage on the warehouse that had collapsed. These are small business owners and craftsmen who have managed to overcome many difficulties, and still face many more in the future. Notwithstanding serious losses, they have not lost heart and have reacted. The road to a complete economic revival is still long, but new buildings and marquees are temporarily replacing company buildings that are not yet accessible.
This is Emilia - an extraordinary legacy of small businessmen and artisans who have managed to cope with an earthquake.